Dhahran - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes. Third-country national expats are treated unfairly by western expats and Saudis alike. Women are restricted and cannot drive. Depending on if you're a western expat woman or third-country national woman, you will be treated differently accordingly. Westerners tend to be treated better than non-Westerners. Any religion besides Islam is not condoned publicly. - Apr 2016
Saudi Arabia does not recognize religions other than Islam. There are "underground" Catholic Masses and non-denominational Christian services held at Aramco. - Jul 2015
I don't know much about the racial part but there's definitely no freedom of religion and there is no gender equality. - Jun 2015
Yes! The only authorized religion is Islam so other denominations have to practice in private. Saudis can be extremely prejudiced against people with brown skin, especially if they are of Asian backgrounds. (Saudi) Women are viewed and treated as property; Western women are often viewed as immoral whores by Saudis though Western women are "tolerated" in business meetings. - Jan 2014
Yes. Islam is the only recognized and permitted religion in Saudi Arabia. It is possible to find folks who practice other religions, but they do so quietly. - Oct 2012
The only legal religion in KSA is Islam, however there are options for Christians. If you're Jewish, you wouldn't want to advertise; although I've heard of openly Jewish officers serving here with no problems. Non-diplomats probably have a harder time and wouldn't put Jewish down on the visa form for the answer to the religion question - yes they do ask. - Apr 2008
